Teens consider having a phone more important than money and about the same importance as air. Sad but true. My kids all have iphones. Their phones are their allowance for day to day chores. They make cash by doing significant extras and for thier grades. They must keep their phones for two years and then get to upgrade to the latest/newest. Just the way we do things and has worked for us.
Our Sophomore in college has an iphone 7 that works but could use a new battery and has some wear. She wants a new phone and was fully expecting we would just buy it for her. That was an interesting conversation and eye opening for all involved. We pay for her phone plan, car insurance, tutition, etc.. She does not have the funds to buy a new phone herself so we are going to buy it for her Birthday next month. It will likely be the last one we pay for. Point being is that in this day and age where kids expect we will buy them phones and pay for service at some point expectations for the future need to be discussed and a budget for that established as part of college planning whether that be something the student or parents pay for in the budget.
We spoil our kids. They work hard proven by their grades and success outside of the classroom. Our youngest is at the very top of his class academically, gets up at 5 am to hit the weights, goes to school hits the weights again in place of gym class (allowed for school athletes), goes to football/wrestling/debate team practice, crushes it at the state level on the field/mat/stage, rinse and repeat. He also
loves his iphone, wireless Bose quiet comfort headphones, xbox, having his own bathroom, eating the best cuts of steak, etc. My wife and I grew up poor, work hard, and darn sure enjoy spoiling our hard working kids. If your kids work hard, don’t get into trouble, and you can afford it; buy them the best IMO.